Question

Protein arrays are primarily used to study

• A. Protein sequence
• B. Protein-protein interactions and expression
• C. Trypsin digested proteins
• D. Protein confirmation

Hint:

Remember: \[ \boxed{\text{DNA Microarray} \rightarrow \text{Gene Expression}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Protein Array} \rightarrow \text{Protein Expression + Protein Interactions}} \] Protein arrays are an important tool in proteomics for studying protein function on a large scale.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Protein arrays (also called protein microarrays) are high-throughput analytical tools used to study proteins on a large scale. They consist of hundreds or thousands of proteins immobilized on a solid surface, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple protein interactions and functions.
• Protein arrays help identify protein expression patterns.
• They detect protein-protein interactions.
• They are used for biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis.
• They are widely used in proteomics and drug development.

Step 1: Understand the working principle of protein arrays.
In a protein array, proteins or antibodies are fixed onto a glass slide or membrane. A labeled sample is then added, and binding between proteins is detected using fluorescent or chemiluminescent signals. \[ \boxed{\text{Immobilized Proteins} \longrightarrow \text{Interaction with Sample} \longrightarrow \text{Signal Detection}} \]

Step 2: Applications of protein arrays.
Protein arrays are used for:
• Protein-protein interaction studies.
• Measurement of protein expression.
• Detection of antibodies and antigens.
• Biomarker identification.
• Drug target screening. Unlike DNA microarrays, protein arrays analyze functional proteins rather than genes.

Step 3: Eliminate the incorrect options.

• Protein sequencing is performed using techniques such as Edman degradation or mass spectrometry.
• Trypsin-digested proteins are mainly analyzed by mass spectrometry.
• Protein arrays are not primarily used to determine protein conformation.
• Their principal application is studying protein interactions and expression. Therefore, \[ \boxed{Option (B) is the correct answer. \]